PNP to coordinate with Comelec on removal of campaign materials
THE Philippine National Police leadership yesterday said it will consult with the Commission on Elections first if there are requests from public officials or candidates to take down election paraphernalia in their areas prior to the official campaign period next year.
PNP chief General Dionardo B. Carlos issued the statement in the wake of an instruction by Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto for his men to remove election-related materials on public properties in the city.
“If there is a go signal from the Comelec and the DILG, then we will assist in the removal of these materials. We just wanted to maintain our neutrality, so in every crucial action there must be the authority of the Comelec,” Gen. Carlos said.
The top cop said the PNP is aware of the campaign materials being mounted even in conspicuous places, but the Comelec guidelines enumerated those areas where these materials are prohibited.
“One thing is for sure, we won’t allow these campaign materials to be posted on police stations and offices. The PNP will immediately order the removal of such,” Gen. Carlos clarified.
